Nine Reds lose late
Klopp rages over “crazy” referee decisions
October 1, 2023, 4:07 a.m
After two red cards, Liverpool gave up a draw against Tottenham in stoppage time. In the end, the anger is not about the result, but rather about the two referee decisions.
An own goal by former Schalke player Joël Matip in the sixth minute of injury time caused Liverpool FC and Jürgen Klopp’s first defeat of the season. With double numbers, the Reds lost 1:2 (1:1) at Tottenham Hotspur. Curtis Jones (26th/red card) and Diogo Jota (69th/yellow-red) had to leave the field. Heung-Min Son (36th) gave Tottenham the lead. Cody Gakpo was able to equalize for the Reds (45th + 4). Spurs are now second, Liverpool dropped to fourth.
The game was overshadowed by two referee decisions. With the score at 0-0, Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz’s supposed goal was disallowed in the 34th minute. The English Referees Association Immediately after the end of the game, PGMOL explained that it was a “human error” because the video evidence did not intervene.
“Who benefits from this now?” asked an angry Klopp when asked about the PGMOL announcement at the press conference. “Nobody expects 100 percent correct decisions, but when VAR is introduced it should become easier. The decision was made very quickly and changed the dynamics of the game.”
It also caused a stir Yellow-red card for Liverpool’s Jota. The attacker received his second booking after an alleged foul on Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie. However, the Liverpool player did not touch his opponent. The video evidence didn’t interfere, but it wasn’t allowed to.
Klopp was more reserved
Immediately after the game, Liverpool coach Klopp complained. “I’ve never seen a game like this, with extremely unfair circumstances, crazy decisions,” explained the 56-year-old on Sky. Later he was more reserved. The referees “didn’t do it on purpose, I know that, but mistakes still happen. If we want to talk about it (the video evidence), then let’s do it properly and not by making headlines with emotional managers.”
Klopp’s Reds got into the game a little better at the start of the game, but had to play outnumbered after Jones’ red card. Nevertheless, they came back after 0-1 and equalized. In the second half, Liverpool was almost exclusively occupied with defending, Tottenham ran and had numerous chances.
Due to Jota’s sending off, there were only nine Reds left on the field who defended passionately. A bitter own goal from Matip shortly before the final whistle cheers Tottenham, who overtake Liverpool in the table. Both teams were previously unbeaten and on the trail of leaders Manchester City.